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1 

FUNERAL SERMON, 



//• 



DKLIVEKEU 



IN THE PRESBYTERIAN (.'HVRCH. 



FN WASUINTiTOK, 

ON THE SABBATH AFTER THE DECEASE 

up 

WILLJAM HENRY HARRISON, 
rhe 2Late ||resftrent of the {.tnitrD States, 

iiv PXBSO'CK or 
PRESIDF.NT rVLER AND MKMKKRS OF THK CABINET. 

BY THE REV. CORTLANDT VAN RENSSELAER, 
or-fl'HLlNDTiJN, tiii->v in nit i 



WASHINGTON, D. C. 



M nCCC XLf, 



ScA^ 'dt^it^ 



FUNERAL SERMON, 



DELIVERED 

IN THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 
rN WASHISGTO:*, 

ON THE SABBATH AFTER THE DECEASE 
or 

WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, 
rfte aate Drcsttrent oC the Jixuftctr states, 

IN PRESENCE OP 
PRESIDENT TYLER AND MEMBERS OF THE CABINET, 

BY THE REV. CORTLANDT VAN RENSSELAER, 

OF BURLINGTON, NEW JERSEV. 



WASHINGTON, D. C. 



M DCCC XLI. 






.V? 



Having been providentially engaged in preaching the Gospel in 
Washington for a time, it became my duty to attempt to improve the 
afflictive dispensation, which occurred during the course of my minis- 
trations. Being on the spot, and in the enjoyment of pastoral inter- 
course with several members of the family, I was enabled to obtain 
a number of facts, illustrating the religious character of our late be- 
loved Chief Magistrate. These have been embodied in the Dis- 
course. 

An Appendix is added, containing a full account of the proceed- 
ings attending his death and funeral. 

C. V. R. 

Burlington, IS. J., April 13, 1841. 



SERMON. 



For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of 
grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 
but the word of the Lord endureth for ever. — 1 Peter i. 24, 25. 

The instructions of Heaven are best realized amidst 
the solemnities of the grave. The ministrations of 
sorrovr reveal, with portentous gleams of eternity, 
how all below is fleeting — how all above endures. 

Jesus, by his Spirit and Providence, has often tra- 
versed the Judea, Samaria and Galilee of our coun- 
try. Often has He taught in our sanctuaries, cried 
aloud in our streets, stood upon our mountains, ut- 
tered His voice upon our waters, admonished in our 
councils, and knocked at the door of our humble 
dwellings. But lo! He has now entered the habita- 
tion of our power. For the first time, He has com- 
missioned His Providence to open the mansion of the 
nation with the keys of death, and to maintain the 
rights of God and the grave. 

Our beloved President is dead ! The hero of bat- 
tles is at rest; and the ruler of councils is silent. 
The changes of a single moon have reflected the light 
of Heaven upon the vanity of earthly glory. Had 
our Capitol disappeared in the visions of the night, 
it would not have had more the appearance of mira- 



culous interposition. As men, struck down in amaze- 
ment, we know not whither to turn, nor what judg- 
ment to dread as the next omnipotent visitation. 
There is mourning throughout the land, for the first- 
born of our honor has fallen ! The lamentations of 
a smitten people cry out to God in a united agony, 
which breaks the peace of the Sabbath, and yet 
corresponds with its highest purposes of repentance 
and faith, and of prostration before "the Lord God 
omnipotent," that " reigneth !" Emblems of woe are 
upon us ; and within us is affliction itself. Shrouded 
in black is the nation, the men in powder, the sanc- 
tuaries of Zion, and the high places of our glory. 
Yonder deserted mansion, with its proud pillars, and 
halls of festivity and silent chambers, is darkened, as 
with the shadow of death; and out of its w^alls issues 
a voice, audible in tones of power and mercy, "All 
flesh is grass, and all the glory of man as the flower 
of grass : the grass withereth, and the flower thereof 
falleth away : but the word of the Lord endureth for- 
ever," 

Mourning people ! Let God be magnified ! His 
purposes, though mystery on earth, are wisdom in 
heaven ! Be it ours to attend to the lessons of His 
Providence ; by pondering upon the vanity of our 
estate, and obeying the precepts of His enduring 
Word! 

I. "All flesh is grass" — 'Hhe grass withereth^ 
Thus does God describe our earthly condition and 
doom. Faithful to the race, whom His power brought 
into being, He admonishes us that we are born to 
die. " Dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt re- 



turn," is the sentence of universal condemnation, 
fearfully executed through all generations. The 
miUions who have gone before us — in number unut- 
terable ! — is tiie testimony of death to the sin of 
Eden, and to our inheritance of woe. The dead of 
even one generation would encircle the earth with a 
pathway of coflins ! Ye living men, the hollow 
sound of sepulchres beneath your feet is the assu- 
rance of your doom ! 

We must all depart. How many die in infancij! 
Tender blades on creation's soil, they perish in aii 
hour. — How many die in earlij youth! They have 
passed the terrific perils of infancy, and hope seems 
to have bound firmly around their brows the garland 
of life. But whilst we fondly gaze, they disappear. 
"They flee as a shadow, and continue not."' "They 
are as the green herb ; as the grass on the house-top ; 
as corn blasted before it is grown up." " In the 
morning, they flourish ; before noon, they are cut 
down and withered." — In manhood mid mature life, 
how many others are brought low ! Though strong 
in human strength, they are but as the grass before 
the scythe. They abide not when the king of ter- 
rors sends forth his mandate. He touches them with 
the sceptre of the grave, and they fall, submissive 
subjects at his feet. " There is no man that hath 
power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither 
hath he power in the day of death." Strength of 
constitution, vigor of motion, health of limb, power 
of effort, energy of endurance, are held in derision, 
even by the very worms which turn us into corrup- 
tion. — Comparatively few are the victims, white with 



8 

aye, and bowed down with care. Even the old must 
die. Age, like infancy, of which it is at last the an- 
titype, sinks, without the power of a hopeful strug- 
gle. The marks of three score years and ten, iden- 
tify it as ready prey; and if labor and sorrow hold it 
up to the confines of four score, yet at last it meets 
the general doom. 

We need, indeed, no evidences to convince us of 
our mortality; but we need continual warnings to 
keep us mindful of it. Such is our forgetfulness of 
the lessons of His Providence, that God sends death 
among us in every variety of form, of method, of pe- 
riod, of circumstance. In almost every death, there is 
something new and peculiar ; something to preserve 
the sense of our insecurity, and to make us realize, 
with Job, " I know that thou wilt bring me to death." 

What an exhibition of our mortality is the dispen- 
sation which has filled a nation w^ith dismay ! The 
venerable form, which so recently was the object of 
our reverence and patriotic affection, has been car- 
ried away into sepulchral darkness. But yesterday, 
he stood among us in the green vigor of years; alas 
he is now decaying in the desolate and kindred 
earth. His eye will no more open upon us with its 
benignity, singleness of purpose, and intelligence. 
His lips will never more speak words of aflfection and 
patriotism to his endeared people. His face will 
-never again be brightened with a smile ; nor w^ill 
his frail and oft-pressed hand ever shrink again from 
the hearty welcome of the old soldier, and the equal 
enthusiasm of ten thousands of admiring freemen. 
No ! His form, lifeless, motionless, cold, corrupting, 



we have carried to the place appointed for all living. 
" Thou changest his countenance, and sendest him 
away" "As° for man, his days are as grass: as a 
flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind 
passeth over it, and it is gone : and the place thereof 
shall know it no more." 

The people will soon lie, side by side, with their 
President. The whole living nation will, in a few 
short years, be beneath the clods of the valley. Mor- 
tality is the degradation which sin has marked upon 
our bodies. All must die. Whatever be our rank, 
or station, or learning, or endowments, or character, 
or destiny, we must all lie down as in a sleep, and 
be gathered, as our fathers were, to the all-devouring 
crrave. The dust of Kings, of Presidents, of rulers, 
soon mingles with the dust of subjects, citizens, and 
slaves; yea, with the dust of the withered grass— 
the emblem of man's condition and decay. "All 
flesh is grass — the grass withereth." 

II. " And all the glory of man is as the flow- 
er OF grass"— "TAe/ower thereof falleth away " 
Not only is the body withering grass, but all the 
glory of man's earthly existence is as the falling 
flower. Neither body nor spirit have an abiding 
honor, in the world of vanity and degradation.. 

1. All the glory of man's intellectual endowmeTits— 
of what avaifare they, when God requireth the soul! 
Though we understood all mystery and all know- 
ledo-e,° yet in these alone we are " nothing." In the 
hour of death, the mightiest mind parts forever from 
all its pride of attainments. Though we may pass. 



10 



in the visions of intellppf -^..^ 

-ar. and g,o.., a^.d;/ dL:f wXl'X 7 " 

r efern 'r nitr ■" ''' ~--S: 

i« the wise 2„ I "/ ' °"'y '^^''am ! Where 

the teJr of he 'rj't'""^^^"'^''^ ^^--* 
learning of a race, :r.,pf,::L:ro„'''^°'""*^ 
evening !" The ac.ui.i.j;' t^t^ TJT^^ '? 
aspirings of jurisprudence, the kno dedt 5 T^'''* 
antniuity, the aims and measures Ifn rr'°"''' 
cty-all the profounde.t studyon.Y " '" r°" 
man, hke the folly of fools '■ nil ! I " '^^'"^ 

'ency, which is i^he:';.,^;*rytr- 
without wisdom." "Though th« u- ' ^''^^ 

dom be as a flowin. b ool > 7"-^.P"»& of-is- 

of the swelling JordL *' " " '°^' » «- -^^rs 

pear JtlSri: -r"' "''J-'^""""' "^^-- -^-p- 

gave it bebl O.V 1' ^''''^'"^ ""' *e power which 
of Its dural^ "o 1 '°'"';-:'"'^ " '""^ -^""e™ 

*e..hador;fdrfr.?h'efrtf:fr^^^^ 

"vexation of snin> " ^\ °^ ^'"^^^^ is 

to our bodirisS idTr :trr:f ^t^^ 

-tat. ..Man in his best estate ^^S^LZi^ 

"^:^:^t-^^' -f "-- to 
.ng the resource; of pow'r^ IZTe t """'"P'^- 
brow are without peace to the ha tT' '" "" 
ments are the temptations J ^Zinl^^^ ^^ 



11 

was great and increased more than all they that 
were before me in Jerusalem," and "I withheld not 
my heart from any joy." "And behold all was 
vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit 
under the sun." All the glory of Solomon has fal- 
len, like the cedars of Lebanon. His palaces, and 
temples, and all the insignia of his reign, have no 
abiding place on the earth, yea, are unknown even 
in the memory of man. If such glory thus passeth 
away, like the flowers of the field, (which it equalled 
not) what glory of man, can hope to survive, in the 
visions of most presumptuous ambition ! How brief 
and uncertain too, is the period of present enjoyment! 
We have been taught by impressive Providence, the 
end of all human distinction. Our President has 
been suddenly taken from the honors of a grateful 
people, to be placed beneath the soil on which they 
tread. The distant echoes of his inauguration tri- 
umphs, are reverberated beyond tlie mountains to 
mingle with the mournings of his funeral solemnities. 
Yonder mansion, which he lately entered in glory, 
has seen him carried out of it in dust ! Though "the 
glory of his house be increased " yet " when he dieth, 
he shall carry nothing away ; his glory shall not de- 
scend after him." " All the glory of man, is as the 
flower of grass — the flower thereof falleth away." 

3. The glory of riches is of the same fleeting 
character. Strange that man should set his heart 
so firmly upon that which perishes, and then cleave 
to it, as though it were to endure! Yet there is 
hardly any possession, which more engages the 
aim and pursuit of our race, than wealth. It is 



13 



sought for with an avidity that scorns oceans, and 
mountains, and deserts and climates. Stoop down 
for the flower which your feet have trodden from its 
stem of grass, and learn, from its decay, the vanity 
of your anxious toil. "They spend their days in 
wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave." 
The wealth of the Esterhazys, treasured up as a 
glorious inheritance, is of no use to those who as- 
sisted in its accumulation, nor will long serve the 
vanity of its present possessors. " For, we brought 
nothing into this world; and it is certain that we can 
carry nothing out." Yet, our race is bent on evil, 
on the evil of the glory of wealth. If Canova were 
awaiting directions for a man, who would fitly re- 
present the race, we would say to him (especially 
for this generation,) " Chisel him in the attitude of 
graspingr And when he had completed the statue, 
we would add, '' Make another m the attitude of 
deathr' The two together,— the one representing 
the spirit, and the other the end of riches— would 
fitly describe the nature of its glory. 

4. The glory of arms is similar in its shadowy 
end. Many mighty warriors have been conspicuous 
in their generation, receiving, when living, the ap- 
plause of armies and nations, and when dead, the 
highest honors. But their glory went not with them 
beyond the darkness of the grave. Unsatisfied Alex- 
ander could weep in want of an unconquered world ; 
and Napoleon, trembling at Moscow amidst the 
flames, and at St. Helena amidst the waves, was at 
last insensible to the honors of his faithful France. 
Our own country, separated from contending nations, 



13 

has yet had its share in the peril of conflicts, and in 
the strife of battles. How few survive, to enjoy the 
rewards of onr war of Revolution! "How are the 
mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!" 
That generation of heroes has already almost van- 
ished from the scenes of its glory. And of the 
leaders of our second war, how many arc gone! 
Beyond the promotions of army or navy, they will 
never more serve that country, whose honor was 
dearer than life! — The last of the dead was the hero 
of many conflicts. He often heard the war cry of 
the Indian, and the roar of cannon, and guided to 
victory the armies of his country. Methinks I see 
him, near the sources of the Wabash, preparing for 
the exigencies of an eventful morning. Before the 
twilifrht, his sleep is broken bv sentinel-ofuns. Battle 
rages. He is in the midst of the conflict. The voice 
we lately heard so clear and loud at the Capitol, is 
soundingr above the noise of battle in its tones of hio-h 
command. Yes, I see him, with his country's sword 
in his hand, and the fire of battle in his eye, charg- 
ing upon the savage foe with the enthusiasm of vic- 
tory. But hark ! The din of war is hushed ! — And 
see ! The conquerer sleeps in the grave with the 
prophet! 

Such is the glory of man, of whatever kind; fleet- 
ing as the shadows of his body, or the dust of his 
grave. "Man giveth up the ghost, and where is 
he?" " All flesh is as grass: and all the glory of man 
as the flower of grass; the grass withereth, the 
flower thereof falleth away. But the word of the 
Lord endureth forever." 



14 

III. It is profitable to turn from the vanities of 
earth to the enduring " word of the Lord ;" from 
vain glory to truth, and heaven, and immortality ! 
Great is the transition ! which may the Spirit assist 
us to understand and to realize ! 

1. "The word of the Lord endures forever" in 
the majesti/ of Him it rej)resents. God's revelation, 
the image of His own glory, is unchanging as His 
own existence. Like Jehovah Himself, it is beyond 
the reach of the vanities and changes of man's estate, 
the revolutions of empires, and the final convulsions of 
nature. "The heavens and the earth shall pass 
away, but His word shall not pass away." " For- 
ever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven!" The 
stability of the throne is its truth ; the praises of uni- 
versal dominion are its testimonies; and the holiness, 
justice and goodness of God, its everlasting and sure 
foundations. "In the beginning was the Word ; and 
the Word was with God, and the Word was God." 

2. This word also endures forever m the principles 
of salvation, which it establishes. "The Word was 
made flesh, and dwelt among us, full of grace and 
truth." Coming " to seek and to save that which 
was lost," Jesus lived a life of holiness, benevolence 
and atonement. He procured salvation for our race, 
by reconciling Justice and Mercy through the cross. 
He cried " it is finished !" Oh cry, unknown in 
creation ! Rocks quaking, sun darkened, vail rent, 
dead rising, sinners trembling, witnessed the tri- 
umphs of everlasting truth in the sacrifice of eternal 
love. "The word of the Lord endureth forever; and 
this is the word which by the Gospel is preached 



15 

unto you''' "Without the shedding of blood, there 
is no remission of sins." " All have sinned and come 
short of the glory of God;" but ''by grace are ye 
saved through faith." " In v\hom we have redemp- 
tion through his blood, even the forgiveness of sin." 
" Except a man be born again, he cannot see the 
kingdom of God." These principles of our salva- 
tion, which, in a word, embrace the acknowledg- 
ment of sin, faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ, 
regeneration by the Holy Spirit, and obedience of 
life, are everlasting principles. They endure whilst 
the world endures ; yea, beyond all earthly destinies, 
in results for which eternity has no bounds of degree 
or measure of duration. 

3. This word of the Lord endures forever in the 
rule of life, which is our glorious guide. Love to 
God and love to man are the fulfilling of the com- 
mandments. They are the sum of our duty, the 
source of our happiness, the measure of our sanctifi- 
cation, and the abiding standard of our preparation 
for heaven. The precepts of the Gospel, which are 
of equally permanent obligation, enjoin self-denial, 
the regulation of the heart, the crucifixion of the 
lusts of the flesh, victory over the world, and, in 
short, the exhibition of the graces of the Spirit, and 
the imitation of the life of Christ. How different a 
life, regulated by the enduring rule, from one of 
worldliness, pleasure, and unchastened ambition! 
It is a life which possesses the spirit and the princi- 
ples of immortality. Jesus, who was both "life and 
immortality," overcame the world in every form of 
temptation ; He rejected the kingdoms of the world 



16 

with all their glory, and lived above its honors to the 
glory of God the Father. His disciples, regulating 
their lives by the same precepts and motives, subject 
themselves to the authority of the same government, 
which is ''from everlasting to everlasting." 

4. And this suggests the eternal sanctions by which 
"the Lord's word endureth for ever." 

Brethren ! does the destiny of man perish, like the 
withered grass of his body, and the fallen flower of 
his glory? No! Children of immortality! No! 
Ye are of the life and the resurrection ! " They 
that are in the graves shall hear the voice "of 
the Son of God," "and shall come forth; they 
that have done good unto the resurrection of life, 
and they that have done evil unto the resurrec- 
tion of damnation." Wonders, passing the awe of a 
sino^le Providence shall fill the firmament with might- 
iest miracles. The trump of the archangel, the glo- 
rious appearing of Christ, the shining of the angelic 
host, the resurrection of the dead, the fire-consuming 
scroll of these heavens and this earth, the solemnities 
of the general judgment, will reveal in the light of 
glorious Omnipotence, Justice and Mercy, the eter- 
nal destiny of all the race of Adam. Woe will be 
the doom of those who sought the acquisitions of 
knowledge, the exaltation of station, the accumula- 
tion of wealth, and the honor of arms, to the neglect 
of the spirit, "created in the image of God," and 
endued with his immortality! Yes, the worldliness 
and vanity of a life spent in despising the cross of 
Christ, shall suffer all the threatenings of Divine 
Justice. " The word of the Lord endureth forever." 



17 

But who can describe the triumphs of those, who, 
by a life of faith on earth, were preparing for the 
glory, honor and immortality of the skies ! Know- 
ledge indeed will be theirs; the knowledge of God in 
Christ Jesus, the knowledge of perfections, of Re- 
demption, of Providence, of expanding creations, of 
angels' state, and Heaven's service. Exaltation will 
be theirs : the exaltation of kings and priests, of dia- 
dems and thrones, of glorious society, of the new 
nature and the new song. Wealth will be theirs ; 
the wealth of spiritual blessedness, of God's love, of 
unstained righteousness, of promises fulfilled, of real- 
ities possessed. Victory \\'\\\ be theirs; the victory 
over the world, over principalities of the air, over the 
depravity within — victory, in the possession of Ca- 
naan, in the prospects of peace, in the enjoyments of 
God's abiding glory ! Sweet will it be to exchange 
the cares an4 sorrows and degradation of this life, for 
the high praises and possessions of that which is to 
come ! Sweet to lie down in the dust, and " awake 
in Thy likeness!" Sweet to wash the last pollution 
of our feet in the Jordan, and to enter w^ith hallelu- 
jahs the gate of Heaven ! 

"All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as 
the flower of grass; the grass withereth, and the 
flower thereof falleth away. But the word of the 
Lord endure th forever." 

Even so, our Father ! The grass and its flower 
are our witliered inheritance here, but may the pro- 
mises of thy Word be our eternal reward ! 

These meditations afford an appropriate introduc- 
tion to a brief notice of the life and character of one, 



18 

"vvho was lately numbered amons^ the grreat of the 
earth. 

William Henry Harrison, the late President of the 
United States, was born in Charles City county, Vir- 
ginia, in 1773. Having received a liberal education 
at Hampden Sydney College,^ he commenced the 
study of medicine; but his thoughts were soon 
turned to the preservation of his countrymen, through 
the profession of arms. With the blood of the Revo- 
lution in his veins, he determined to assist in repell- 
ing the Indian atrocities on our frontier. In 1792, 
at the age of 19, be received the commission of En- 
sign from General Washington ; and thus be entered 
the public service b}^ holding in his hands the flag 
of his country — a banner never tarnished by any act 
of his long and eventful life. He was soon promoted, 
and was the aid of General Wayne in the great bat- 
tle fought in 1794, which procured for the West a 
temporary emancipation from Indian cruelties. At 
the age of 26, he was chosen delegate in Congress 
from the Northwestern Territory. The next year 
he was appointed, by President Adams, Governor of 
Indiana, which at that time embraced all the West, 
except Ohio; and a short time afterward a Commis- 
sioner to form treaties with the Indians. He con- 
tinued to act as Governor under Jefferson and !Madi- 
son for many years, and led our troops to victory at 
the battle of Tippecanoe, in 1511, and as General 
in the regular army, at the victory of the Thames in 
1S13. 

' A College which had been recently founded by Presbyterians. 



19 

Tne foar promiiieiit even'-*, which -"xHl erer asso- 
ciate the name of HaiTi«r,i, ^th the Wtst. are — Ist. 
His fideiitT and success m making "^^^r^.^. -ir-L^b ■*:he 
Indian tribes, bv which he was the ig 

the title to immense tract? of coxLntrv to Teat m the 
United S""- ?--- -•-'-- -- ,,--,-.- 

the Unitr - - _ 

richest conntry in the West, uid the most Talnable 
mineral region in the Union." 

2d- His agencT, when Delegate in Congress, aiid 
when onlv twenty-six years old. in larinj the foun- 
dation of the land system, under which the West has 
increased until Ohio ontnombers eren Virginia. He 
was chairman of the Committee which proposed the 
reform by which the size of Government tracts was 
reduced from 4j',K)<j acres to alternate sections of 640 
acres and 320 acres. Thus the public lands were in 
a measure taken out of the hands of speculators and 
large purchasers, and brciight within the reach of 
the yeomanry of the countrv. 

3d- His military services in defendins^ the West 
from Indian and British aggressions. The country, 
presenting an immense extent of frontier, was easdr 
accessible to savage foes. From the time of Wavne's 
victory near the rapids of the Miami in 1794, to his 
own victories at the Wabash and Thames, including 
many active engagements. William Henrv Harrison 
was a ruling mind in directing the American forces. 
He was the terror of the Indian foe, who made seve- 
ral attempts to assassinate him, and who resrarded 
him at last as under the e-pecial favour of the Great 
Snirit. 



20 

4th. His services as Governor of the North West 
Territory from 1800 to 1813. This whole Territory 
was under his administration. Besides disbursing 
the public moneys, to him belonged, for some time, 
the duty of legislating for its prosperity, of appointing 
its officers, of confirming grants of land, of arranging 
its counties and townships, of superintending its va- 
rious interests, in short, of forming and directing its 
new systems of institutions. His sagacity, his ener- 
gy, his honesty, were never brought into suspicion ; 
and history, with grateful devotion, will record in the 
archives of the mighty West, the name of Harrison 
as its greatest benefactor. 

In 1S14 he was again appointed Indian Commis- 
sioner, in connection with Governor Shelby and 
Governor Cass. In 1816 he was elected to the 
House of Representatives, and served three years. 
He afterward served in the Ohio Senate two years ; 
and in 1824 was chosen to the Senate of the United 
States. In 1828 he was appointed by John Quincy 
Adams, Minister to Columbia. 

These various and numerous public services, in 
connection with his excellent sense, his inflexible in- 
tegrity, his republican habits and his well known 
political principles, commended him to the people as 
President of the United States. And the more the 
people knew him the more they felt the wisdom of 
their choice. On his way to this city, from the 
Miami to the Potomac, he was received with the 
most cordial and enthusiastic congratulations; and 
he entered upon his Presidential service with the 
highest hopes and confidence of a rejoicing people. 



2^1 

The brief month of his administration pronounces a 
noble eulogy upon his memory. His inaugural ad- 
dress is justly considered the most republican doc- 
ument that has ever emanated from the source of 
power; and the circular to public officers instinct- 
ively reminds us of the good old days of George 
Washington. But we cannot tread upon political 
ground. We retire from it mourning that he, who 
so well understood the principles of the government, 
has been prevented by death from carrying them 
out. 

General Harrison's mind was of a good order. He 
possessed excellent natural powers, and they well 
disciplined, well furnished, and well directed. Few 
men had the advantage of a better judfrment; few 
had more sagacity and penetration. He was well 
versed in general history, and had the most minute 
knowledge of all the public characters and battles of 
ancient and modern times. His writings indicate 
facility of composition, grace of diction and good 
sound sense, (which the people want more than any 
thing else.) His public and private integrity his 
friends delight to admire. Though he formed many 
treaties about the public lands, disbursed three mil- 
lions of the public money, and possessed im.mense 
power, as Governor of Indiana, he left office with a 
purity of character hardly to be appreciated in these 
deorenerate times. So sensitive were his feelings of 
honor that, (with the exception of private Secre- 
tary,) he never apointed a relative to office, and never 
intended to do so. 

In his private feelings, he was a kind and benevo- 



22 

lent man. Tender-hearted, compassionate, and sym- 
pathising, he has reUeved the wants of many an old 
soldier and shared his frugal means with many a wi- 
dow and friend. In personal address and manners, 
he was the very man to be popular in a republican 
government. He was no aristocrat in democratic 
disguise; but, a people's man, he went among the 
people in the people's dress and with the people's 
manners. Though President of the United States, 
any one could see him, even from sunrise in the 
morninir. He had a native courteousness and conde- 
scension, united with the ease and dignity of a Virgi- 
nian republican. His countenance was goodness, 
honesty, frankness and disinterestedness. His eye 
was emphatically "the light of his body;" a soft, 
sparkling eye — dark, but gentle ; and though gentle, 
full of fire. Mildness and energy were hardly ever 
more beautifully blended. 

His friends all indulge the belief that he was a man 
of religious principle. He was *' trained up in the 
way he should go," by the example and instructions 
of maternal love. His mother (of the Bassett fam- 
ily,) was a woman of piety and prayer. During the 
General's last visit to Virginia, he occupied his mo- 
ther's apartment — the one in which he was born — 
and he took great interest in pointing out the closet 
to which she retired for private devotion, and the 
corner of the room where she sat by the table to read 
her Bible, and where she taught him on his knees to 
pray, "Our Father which art in heaven!" These 
habits were continued by the late President, espe- 
cially in the closing years of his life. His " Manual 



23 

of Devotion" and his Bible were his morning and 
evening companions. His regard for the Sabbath 
was increasing, with his other outward testimonies 
of the importance of religion, The first Sabbath af- 
ter his inauguration, he was very much annoyed by 
some persons, who had been admitted into his house, 
contrary to his orders; and he remarked to one of 
the family, "We must break up at once this Sunday 
visiting." 

The next Sabbath some of the Foreign Ambassa- 
dors called, and were refused admittance, as being 
ing contrary to the President's habits : but in the 
evening, some gentlemen, under the plea of being 
particular friends, thoughtlessly intruded upon the 
quiet of his mansion. He sat with them a few mi- 
nutes in evident uneasiness: and after risinir and 
walking about the room a little, he turned and 
said to them with great kindness, "Gentlemen, I 
shall be happy to see you any evening but Sunday 
evening;" and he retired to his room, leaving them 
with some other members of his family. His general 
respect for religion was familiar to all, particularly 
in his attendance on the House of God, both in the 
morning and afternoon; part of the day in the Epis- 
copal, and the other part in the Presbyterian church. 
The two last sermons he heard in Presbyterian 
churches, were from the texts, "Watch and pray, 
lest ye enter into temptation;" and "Whatsoever a 
man soweth, that shall he also reap." 

The preacher who addresses you, happened to be 
in the bookstore when he came in to purchase a Bible 
— ("the best in the store;") and the President ex- 



24 

pressed to me his surprise that there was no Bible in 
the President's mansion. He remarked that "the 
Bible ought to be a part of the furniture of the house; 
and," he added, " I intend to bu}^, out of the Congres- 
sional appropriation, the best copy I can find, and to 
write in it, ' The President of the United States, from 
the People of the United States.'" On another oc- 
casion, he expressed to me his sense of religious 
obligation, and his determination to unite with the 
Church; which, he said, he would have done four 
years ago, if it had not been for the turmoil and sus- 
picions of the political contest. The same thing he 
repeatedly said to many of his relatives and friends 
during this long period ; and, for the last time, on his 
death-bed. When we consider that the President 
had been instructed from his youth in religion, that 
his constant attendance on public worship, and the 
reading of his Bible, made him well acquainted with 
the true terms of communion, and that he was a man 
of uncommon frankness and honesty of speech, we 
have a strong assurance that his oft expressed deter- 
mination came from the desires of a renewed heart. 
Especially, when we remember the great purity and 
integrity of his character, and the even tenor and re- 
ligious habits of his well-ordered life. He had doubt- 
less his infirmities — for he was a man ; but many 
traits of true Christian discipleship shall be pondered 
upon in the spirit of charity and in the consolations 
of hope. 

But the time drew near for him to stand in the 
presence of Him, who "knoweth our frame" and 
whose "mercy is from everlasting to everlasting.'' 



2o 

Haring been unrer^^^ t eogae- : - . ^ 

to pu'blic DTisiness, at: -inging ;_= „vLi_rr^ :i 

his new administratioQ. his &aine snSered mnch 
firom his cares and toiL On Thnrsdaj, the -ZSth oi 
March, he causrht a slight cold, from having his hair 
cot, and from nndne exposTire. On the day follow- 
ing, he was overtaken in a shower, which increased 
the svmplonLs. On Satorday, according to custcnn, 
he took a walk early in the morning, visited the 
market, and stopped to convei^e with a nnmber of 
friends. On his return, he was nnable to eat any 
breakfast: but still went into the puWic room, and 
saw a nnmber of persons on private and public busi- 
ness. Continuing unwell, he was prevailed upon to 
send for a physician, who prescribed medicme. On 
Sunday, his fever increased, accompanied with pain 
in the breast, and general symptoms of pneumonia 
Cupping was resorted to, which, however, had no 
beneficial effect. The disease was not arrested : and 
it may be remarked that, during its progress, he suf- 
fered, at times, very acute pain, but in patience. It 
was thought best to keep him so quiet that it was not 
deemed advisable to admit the ministers of the Gos- 
pel : and even his own family had verv little inter- 
course with him, except to attend constantly to his 
wants. He frequently remarked that he was verr 
sick, "more sick than they think I am." On Tues- 
day, he reiterated, to the Governor of Iowa, his con- 
victions of the truth of religion, and his purpose to 
unite with the Church of Christ, if he was restored 
to health. But his restoration was not the will of 
omniscient God. Hopes and fears altematelv pre- 

4 



26 

vailed, in the midst of general anxiety. On Thurs- 
day he passed a very restless night; and on Friday 
evening, for the first time, there was great alarm felt 
throughout the whole city; but on Saturday morn- 
ing, he revived, and not a little. Some of his phy- 
sicians thought they discerned favorable symptoms. 
He himself felt much better. At this time the 103d 
Psalm was read to him by a faithful female friend. 

In the presence of several of his family, he thanked 
the Lord, with a loud voice, for His goodness, and 
seemed overpowered with deep emotion. He also 
expressed satisfaction at the prospect of being raised 
up, to resume the prosecution of his public measures, 
which he had much at heart. Great was the joy 
which now spread throughout the city with the ra- 
pidity of self-diffusing sympathy; but, like all earth- 
ly joy, a brief hour doomed it to sorrow. 

At 3 o'clock, the most dangerous symptoms fore- 
told the speedy termination of the disease; and at 6, 
his faithful physicians pronounced him beyond their 
skill. His family, and the members of his Cabinet 
(for the first time admitted,) surrounded his bed-side, 
without hope. His pastor made a prayer, which, 
from his breathing more softly, he seemed to hear. 
But his eyes were shut, and death was preparing to 
finish its work. At 9 o'clock, he again revived; and, 
perhaps knowing that his Cabinet were near him, he 
uttered words for them, for his country, and for his 
successor : " Sir, I wish you to understand the true 
principles of the government. I wish them carried 
out. I ask nothing more." The last struggles had 
already commenced, but they were not violent. Only 



27 

once after this did he seem to suffer pain; and he at- 
tempted, for the last time, to raise his arm. His 
breathing's now became softer and more oentle, until 
his slumbers, peaceful as those of a little child, were 
interrupted by the God of the living and of the dead. 
He expired half an hour after midnight, on Sunday 
mornino;, April 4th. 

As I stood, on that Sabbath, by the side of his 
venerable form, dressed for the grave, and with awe- 
struck sensibility placed my hand on his cold and 
death-smitten brow, and smoothed his silvery hairs, I 
understood "The dust shall return to the earth, as it 
was ; and the spirit shall return to God, who gave it ! " 

And has he gone ? Is earth so full of wonders ! 
Yes, our President, the good and great, has gone for 
ever from the theatre of fame — from inauguration 
triumphs and funeral honours — gone into the land 
of spirits — to Washington, and Adams, and Jeiferson, 
and Madison, and Monroe, — to rest till the morning 
of the resurrection ' 

Farewell, old soldier; thy warfare is accomplished ! 

"Farewell, humble cultivator of our earthly soil; 
there is a better harvest in a better land ! 

Farewell, wise, and pure, and upright statesman; 
thy last words and wishes for the Constitution are 
welcomed by the people as their legacy, and shall be 
transmitted to their children to the latest generation! 

Farewell, farewell, our 'President, venerable with 
the crown of years and of honor: — in our joy, we 
almost forgot that thou wert mortal; in our sorrow, 
we will remember and be glad in thy immortality! 

Turning from the dead, (for the last look must be 



28 

given, though long we linger,) might I, with pro- 
priety, address our new President, I would say, in 
behalf of the Church, 

Sm — The salutations of a free and Christian peo- 
ple welcome you to your station. Called into au- 
thority by Providence, and under the Constitution, 
may you fulfil the just purposes of both ! The end 
of all greatness is seen in your elevation. The temp- 
tations which crowd around power are many; but 
there is a Bible in the people's mansion, which will 
afford divine guidance. We will pray that the King 
of Kings may enable our President to conform to all 
the outward observances of religion, and to possess 
in his own soul its sweet and sure rewards. Long 
and useful may your life be, and peaceful your dying 
hour ! 

To the members of the Cabinet, I would say, 

Councilors, true and tried! — A heavy affliction 
has come upon 3^ou in the early morning of an au- 
spicious day. Through life remember the life and 
death of your departed chief. God has warned you 
with a warning that summons you to the meditations 
of eternity. No wisdom, nor glory, nor device, will 
save you from the grave. The terms of the Gospel 
are rich in mercy and hope. Live lives of useful- 
ness to your country; "quit ye like men," and be 
prepared for the high service of your God in Heaven ! 

To the people of the United States, this Provi- 
dence appeals as with the power of miracles. It 
says, "Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his 
nostrils," and know that the Lord is God! Of late 
there has been too great a tendency to man-worship, 



29 

which is idolatry. Many other crying sins are abroad 
in the land, which might justly incur the divine dis- 
pleasure. Though we may not specify the particu- 
lar sins, which may have caused this great visitation 
to descend upon us, there is evil enough in the North, 
and the South, and the East, and the West, to justi- 
fy any measures of retributive infliction. God has 
already punished our nation by terrific fires, by aw- 
ful disasters on our rivers and ocean, by frightful 
disease, by the almost universal prostration of com- 
merce, and of the various branches of business, by in- 
dividual losses, and State embarrassments ; in short, 
by private and i)ublic judgments of various admoni- 
tory kinds. And lo! what manner of punishment 
hath He meted out to us now ! If we repent not, 
nor humble ourselves before Him, He has other vis- 
itations in store for us. Signs of war are already 
flashing across our horizon ; and God has at His com- 
mand innumerable methods of omnipotent retribu- 
tion. May we stand in awe and sin not! May we 
be instructed in the season of His Providential warn 
ing; lest, at last, He *' rule us with a rod of iron, and 
dash us in pieces like a potter's vessel! " 

But this, our individual and our national calamity, 
would fail of one of its most direct purposes, did it 
not solemnize us into preparation for our own death. 
Let this dispensation never be forgotten! Let it 
chasten us in the midst of mirth ; haunt away un- 
lawful pleasures; correct the delusions and vain as- 
pirations of this life ; remind us of our mortality, and 
guide us to an " inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, 
and that fadeth not away." " As the cloud is con- 



30 

sumed and vanisheth away; so he that goeth down 
to the grave shall come up no more." No more en- 
joyment of Gospel privileges, of sweet Sabbath light, 
of pleading conscience, and of the Spirit's call, shall 
bring back hope from the gloom of the sepulchre! 
How soon, alas! may the "silver cord be loosed," 
and the "golden bowl," or "pitcher," or "wheel," be 
broken into meanest dust! Mortals, attend to the 
earnest entreaties of Jehovah's power! He, who can 
do such works as He hath done, can surely deal with 
you as He will. Soon must you say to corruption, 
"thou art my father;" to the worm "thou art my 
mother and my sister." Oh, before that hour of des- 
olation Cometh, learn to say to God, Thou art my por- 
tion ; and to Christ, Thou art my hope ! 

Beings, who witness, as we do, so many demon- 
strations of love, and truth, and goodness, and justice, 
and might, and mercy — all passing before us with 
the glory of the Lord — ought to remember that such 
high privileges involve high responsibilities. "The 
kingdoms of the earth and the glory of them" shall 
depart; but your soul — your immortal soul — outliv- 
ing the vanities of life and the degradation of the 
grave, shall receive eternal blessedness in Heaven, 
or eternal misery in Hell. Our days are as grass, 
and our glory as its flower; but the word of the Lord 
endureth for ever. 

Our bodies, which are soon to be to be dust, will, 
if Christ be in us, arise to the glories of celestial 
existence. No more shall the yew and cypress be 
twined for our tomb ; but the brow of the Christian 
shall have a diadem of beauty brighter than the 



31 

light of the morning, and incorruptible as immortal- 
ity! In the great day, when nations and rulers shall 
be summoned by the trump of the Archangel, may 
our President be seen in robes of righteousness, at 
God's right hand ; and may we all be there to swell 
the praise ! 



APPENDIX. 



The following narrative has been compiled from various papers, 
(chiefly the intelligencer, the Madisonian, and the New York Ob- 
server) in order to serve the purposes of a record of the solemn cir- 
cumstances, attending our national bereavement. 

I. OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMExNT OF THE PRESIDEiNT'S 

DEATH. 

City of Washington, April 4, 1641. 
An all-wise Providence having suddenly removed from this life, 
William Henry Harrison, late President of the United States, we 
have thought it our duty, in the recess of Congress, and in the ab- 
sence of the Vice President from the seat of Government, to make 
this afflicting bereavement known to the country, by this declaration, 
under our hands- 
He died at the President's house, in this city, this fourth day of 
April, Anno Domini, 1841, at thirty minutes before one o'clock in 
the morning. 

The people of the United States, overwhelmed, like ourselves, by 
an event so unexpected and so melancholy, will derive consolation 
from knowing that his death was calm and resigned, as his life has 
been patriotic and useful, and distinguished; and that the last utter- 
ance of his lips expressed a fervent desire for the perpetuity of the 
Constitution, and the preservation of its true principles. In death, 
as in life, the happiness of his country was uppermost in his 

thoughts. 

Daniel Webster, Secretary of State. 

Thomas Ewing, Secretary of the Treasury. 
John Bell, Secretary of War. 
J. J. Crittenden, Attorney General. 
Francis Granger, Postmaster General. 
5 



34 



II. REPORT OF THE PHYSICIANS. 

Washington, April 4, 1841. 
Dear Sir — In compliance with the request made to us by yourself 
and the other gentlemen of the Cabinet, the attending and consulting 
Physicians have drawn up the abstract of a report on the President's 
case, which I herewith transmit to you. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

Thomas Miller, 

Attending Physician. 
To the Hon. D. Webster, Secretary of State. 

On Saturday, March 27, 1841, President Harrison, after several 
days' previous indisposition, was seized with a chill and other symp- 
toms of fever. The next day Pneumonia, with congestion of the 
liver, and derangement of the stomach and bowels, was ascertained 
to exist. The age and debility of the patient, with the immediate 
prostration, forbade a resort to general blood-letting. Topical de- 
pletion, blistering, and appropriate internal remedies, subdued, in a 
great measure, the disease of the lungs and liver, but the stomach 
and intestines did not regain a healthy condition. Finally, on the 
3d of April, at 3 o'clock, P. M., profuse diarrhoea came on, under 
which he sank, at thirty minutes to 1 o'clock, on the morning of the 
fourth. 

The last words uttered by the President, as heard by Dr. Wor- 
thington, were these: *' Sir, I wish you to understand the true prin- 
ciples of the Government. I wish them carried out. I ask nothing 

more." 

Thos. Miller, M.D,, 

Attending Physician. 
Fred. May, M.D., 

N. W. WORTHINGTON, M.D., 

J. C. Hall, M.D., 

AsHTON Alexander, M.D., 

Consulting Physicians. 

( It may be remarked that universal confidence exists at Wash- 
ington, in the skill and fidelity of the above physicians. C. V. R.) 



35 



III. ACCOUNT OF THE PRESIDENT'S LAST HOURS. 

Saturday, 1 o'clock, P. M. — Dr. Alexander of Baltimore has just 
visited the President's Chamber, and pronounces him better, giving 
all his friends reason to indulge in hope. The good news spreads 
all over the city with joyful alacrity. 

2 o'clock. — The favourable symptoms continue. 

3 o'clock. — The symptoms are becoming alarming ; a diarrhoea is 
threatened. 

Half past 3 o'clock. — The alarm of General Harrison's friends is 
very great: the symptoms grow worse, and his case becomes more 
dangerous than ever. The medical men begin to doubt, if not to 
despair, and to speak in a manner and tone, that hardly give us hope. 

4 o'clock. — The news of increased danger flies over the city, and 
all are inquiring, and in all directions. 

•5 o'clock. — The President wanders, and is at times quite insensi- 
ble. All his symptoms are worse. His family hanging in anxiety 
over his bedside, his Physicians watching every motion. His diar- 
rhoea grows worse, and leaves hardly a hope, so rapidly does it pros- 
trate his strength. 

G o'clock The Members of the Cabinet have been summoned to 

the Presidents's, Mr. Granger just gave the alarm to his associates. 
The symptoms all worse. His physicians give him up. The 
dreadful report fills all with consternation. The danger of losing 
the good and venerable man now breaks fully upon us all. 

10 o'clock. — Reports from the sick chamber for the last four hours 
have all been worse. The pulse beats feebler and feebler every 
minute. His flesh has become cold and clammy. During this time, 
General Harrison has spoken his last words, after which he fell into 
a state of insensibility. At a quarter of nine. Dr. VVorthington at 
his bedside, he said, (and it is presumed he was addressing Governor 
Tyler)— 

•'SIR,— I WISH YOU TO UNDERSTAND THE TRUE 
PRINCIPLES OF THE GOVERNMENT. I WISH THEM 
CARRIED OUT. I ASK NOTHING MORE." 

This is the dying injunction of the good old man, made, Dr. 
Worthington says, in a strong tone of voice. 



36 

All the members of the Cabinet, except Mr. Badger, for three 
hours past have been in a chamber near the President's sick room. 
Their spirits, of course, are sadly depressed by this melancholy 
event, but they are preparing for the mournful duty that devolves 
upon them. 

11 o'clock. — The President yet lingers. The White House has 
been thronged by citizens of all classes fearfully inquiring into the 
President's health. He is insensible, feeble indeed, and no one now 
indulges in hope. All preparations are making as for a man already 
dead. The consolations of religion have all along been administered. 
He has been calm and manifested no fear of death. The Physicians 
are just using the last remedies their skill devises, but with no hope 
of any favourable result. 

125 o'clock. — General Harrison has just breathed his last, and 
without a struggle. He has been insensible for a long while, and 
the last words he spoke, were to Dr. Worthington. Most anxious 
and deeply affected friends are weeping around his chamber. What 
a dreadful blow has struck the land ! 

1 o'clock, A. M. — The Members of the Cabinet after performing 
their last mournful duties to the departed President are preparing a 
Letter to the Vice President announcing the fact officially. The 
Chief Clerk of the State Department, Fletcher Webster, Esq., is des- 
patched with it, and he will reach Mr. Tyler by Monday noon, who 
will probably be here Wednesday or Thursday the latest. 



IV. OFFICIAL LETTER TO THE VICE PRESIDENT. 

" Washington, April 4, 1841. 
" To John Tyler, Vice President of the United States. 

" Sir: — It has become our most painful duty to inform you that 
William Henry Harrison, late President of the United States, 
has departed this life. 

" This distressing event took place this day, at the President's 
JMansion in this city, at thirty minutes betore one in the morning. 



37 

"We lose no time in despatching the Chief Clerk in the State 
Department, as a special messenger, to bear you these melancholy 
tidings. 

" We have the honor to be, with the highest regard, your obe- 
dient servants, 

Daniel Webster, Sec'ry of State. 

Thos. Ewino, Sec'ry of Treasury. 

John Bell, Sec'ry of War. 

John J. Crittenden, Att'y Gen. 

Francis Granger, Postmaster Gen." 

V. ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FUNERAL. 

Washington, April 4, 1841. 

The circumstances in which we are placed by the death of the 
President, render it indispensible for us, in the recess of Congress 
and in the absence of the Vice President, to make arrangements for 
the Funeral Solemnities. Having consulted with the family and 
personal friends of the deceased, \vc have concluded that the funeral 
be solemnized on Wednesday, the 7th instant, at 12 o'clock. The 
religious services to be performed according to the usages of the 
Episcopal Church, in which church the deceased usually worship- 
ped. The body is to be taken from the President's House to the 
Congress Burying Ground, accompanied by a Military and Civic 
Procession, and deposited in the Receiving Tomb. 

The military arrangements to be under the direction of Major 
General Macomb, the General Commanding in Chief of the Army 
of the United States, and Major General Walter Jones, of the Militia 
of the District of Columbia. 

Commodore Morris, the Senior Captain in the Navy now in the 
city, to have the direction of the naval arrangements. 

The Marshal of the District to have the direction of the civic pro- 
cession, assisted by the Mayors of Washington, Georgetown, and 
Alexandria, the Clerk of the Supreme Court of the United States, 
and such other citizens as they may see fit to call to their aid. 

John Quincy Adams, ex-President of the United States, Members 
of Congress now in the city or its neighborhood, all the members of 



38 

the Diplomatic body resident in Washington, all officers of Govern- 
ment, and citizens generally, are invited to attend. 

And it is respectfully recommended to the officers of Government 
that they wear the usual badge of morning. 

Daniel Webster, Sec'ry of State. 

Thos. Ewing, Sec'ry of the Treasury. 

John Bell, Sec'ry of War. 

John J. Crittenden, Attorney General. 

Francis Granger, Postmaster General. 



VI. ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE INTERMENT OF THE 
LATE PRESIDENT. 

Adjutant General's Office, 

Washington, April 6, 1841. 

The Major General, commanding the Army of the United States, 
and the Major General commanding the Militia of the District of 
Columbia, having been charged by the Executive Officers of the 
Government, with the military arrangements for the funeral honors 
to be paid to the patriot and illustrious citizen William Henry 
Harrison, late President of the United States, direct the following 
order of arrangement : 

ODRER OF PROCESSION. 
military escort. 

Battallion of United States Marines. 

Squadron of Volunteer Cavalry. 

Division of United States Light Artillery. 

Battalion of Volunteer Infantry. 

Officers of the Militia and Volunteer corps of Baltimore, &c., on foot. 

Officers of the Militia and Volunteer corps of the District 

of Columbia, on foot. 
Officers of the Marine corps. Navy and Army, on foot. 
Major General Walter Jones, Commanding the Militia, and staffi 
Major General Macomb, Commander-in-chief, and staffi 



39 



CIVIC PROCESSION. 

United States Marshal for the District of Columbia and 

Clerk of the Supreme Court. 

The Mayors of Washington, Georgetown, and Alexandria. 

Clergy of the District of Columbia and elsewheie. 

X ? 

Pall Bearers. a ^ Pall Bearers. 

c5 w 
ca > 

Pall Bearers. ^ n ^^11 Bearers. 

M > 

The family and relations of the late President. 

The Vice President and the Heads of Departments. 

F'.x-Presidents, and former Heads of Departments. 

Foreign Ministers and Suits. 

The Chief Justice, and Associate Justices of the 

Supreme Court and District Judges of the United States. 

The President of the Senate protempore. 

Senators and ofllcers of the Senate. 

United States and Mexican Commissioners for the adjustment of 

claims under the convention with Mexico. 

Members of the House of Representatives and Officers. 

Governors of States and Territories and Members 

of State Legislatures. 

Judges of the Circuit Court of the District of Columbia with the 

Members of the Bar and Officers of the Court. 

The Judges of the several States. 

The Comptrollers of the Treasury, Auditors, Treasurer, 

Register and Solicitor. 

Commissioners and other Civil Officers of the Government. 

Officers and Soldiers of the late war who served under 

the command of the late President. 

Corporate authorities of Washington, Georgetown and Alexandria. 

Such Societies and Fraternities as may wish to join in the 

Procession, to report to the Marshal of the District, 

who will assign to them their respective positions. 

Citizens and Strangers. 



40 

The troops designated to Ibrm the escort will assemble in the 
Avenue, north of the President's House, and form line precisely at 
11 o'clock, A. M., on Wednesday the 7th instant, with its right 
(Captain Ringgold's company of Light Artillery) resting opposite 
the western gate. 

The procession will move precisely at 12 o'clock, M,, when minute 
guns will be fired by detachments of artillery stationed near St. John's 
Church and the Capitol. At the same hour, the bells of the several 
churches in Washington, Georgetown and Alexandria, will be tolled. 

At sun-rise to-morrow, (the 7th inst.) a Federal salute will be 
fired from the military stations in the vicinity of Washington, 
minute guns between the hours of 12 and 3, and a national salute 
at the setting of the sun. 

The usual badge of mourning will be worn on the left arm, and 
on the hilt of the sword. 

The Adjutant General of the Army is charged with the military 
arrangements of the day, aided by the Assistants Adjutant General 
on duty at the Head Quarters of the Army. 

The United States Marshal of the District has the direction of the 
Civic Procession, assisted by the Mayors of the cities of the District 
and the Clerk of the Supreme Court of the United States. 

By order, 

R. Jones, 
Adjutant General of U. S. Army. 

The various DEPARTMENTS issued orders, corresponding to 
the occasion, to their various public officers, enjoining the wearing 
of crape on the arm, the badges of mourning on the public build- 
ings, &c., &c. 

VII. VIEW OF THE DEAD. 

On Monday, the body of the deceased President was placed in a 
large court or ante-room of the house, between the front or entrance 
door aud the reception rooms. It reposed in a leaden coffin, which 
was enclosed in another of mahogany; and that day was designated 
to give all the people, who wished to take a last look at the beloved 
Harrison, an opportunity of so doing. Accordingly, they came in 



41 

great numfers, and in the silence of undissembled grief gazed on 
the cold remains of one, who so lately and so freely mingled among 
them as one of them. No military sentinels were necessary to pre- 
serve order, great as were the numbers pressing to the melancholy 
spot. The workman in his apron, as well as the gentleman in his 
more costly dress, reverently came and went, as did all classes, 
trades and professions. 

The features of the illustrious dead bore the marks of his native 
benevolence and kind disposition. Death had not yet taken away 
his smile; nor.had the majesty of a noble spirit left his brow. He 
looked " like a warrior taking his rest ;" and when the night came, 
he was again removed to the silent chamber, to be left " alone in his 
glory." 

The awe-struck and mourning population of the metropolis spent 
a three-days interval of intense feeling. 

VI II. ARRIVAL OF THE VICE PRESIDENT. 

At 12 o'clock, all the Heads of Departments, except the Secretary 
of the Navy, (who has not yet returned to the city, from his visit to 
his family,) waited upon the Vice President to pay him their official 
and personal respects. They were received with all the polite- 
ness and kindness which dharacterize the new President. He sig- 
nified his deep feeling of the public calamity sustained by the death 
of President Hakrison, and expressed his profound sensibility to the 
heavy responsibilities so suddenly devolved upon himself. He spoke 
of the present stale of things with great concern and seriousness, 
and made known his wishes that the several Heads of Departments 
would continue to fill the places which they now respectively occupy, 
and his confidence that they would afibrd all the aid in their power 
to enable him to carry on the administration of the Government suc- 
cessfully. 

The President then took and subscribed the following oath of 
office: 

I do solemnly swear that I wili faithfully execute the office of 
President of the United States, and will, to the best of my ability, 
preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. 

April 6, 1841. John Tyler. 



4-2 

District of Columbia, } 

City and County of Washington, ^ 

I, William Cranch, Chief Justice of the Circuit Court of the Dis- 
trict of Columbia, certify that the above named John Tyler per- 
sonally appeared before me this day, and, although he deems him- 
self qualified to perform the duties and exercise the powers and office 
of the President on the death of William Henry Harrison, late 
President of the United States, without any other oath than that 
which he has taken as Vice President, yet, as doubts may arise, and 
for greater caution, took and subscribed the foregoing oalb before 
me. W. Cranch. 

April G, 1841. 

IX. PRAYER MEETING AT THE PRESIDENT'S MANSION. 
The author of the foregoing discourse felt it to be a duly and 
a privilege to visit frequently at the Mansion, during the sickness of 
the President. With Col. Todd in particular I had many seasons 
of Christian intercourse, which will long be remembered. After the 
President's death, it was my duty to propose a pastoral visit to the 
ladies in their atlliction, with the hope of administering consolation 
through divine truth and prayer. Accordingly, I went by appoint- 
ment on Tuesday evening; when 1 found that Col. Todd, with true 
Christian forethought, had so arranged it as to have all the family 
assembled, in number from fifteen to twenty. There was evidently 
deep affliction in every heart ; and in the midst of the general sor- 
row, there was a very cordial welcome to him, who aimed at bring- 
ing the peace and comforts of the Gospel. After a few remarks, in- 
tended to direct the thoughts of all heavenward, I read portions of 
the 21st and 22d chapters of Revelation. Almost all present were 
members of different churches, (chiefly Presbyterian) and seemed to 
appreciate the description of the heavenly state, in hope of its eternal 
enjoyment. We then all united in prayer at the throne of grace, 
that God's solemn providence might be sanctified to all the family — 
that the beloved and smitten "mother in Israel" might have the 
special comforts of divine suppoft — and that all might be impressed 
with the vanities of earth in contrast with the glories of life eternal. 
After prayer, I made an exhortation, presenting God as the Ruler 
of providence, who governed according to the dictates of infinite wis- 



43 

dom and mercy. I also pointed to Christ as our Mediator, our Com- 
fort and our Hope, and to Heaven, as our eternal home. The Apos- 
tolic benediction was then pronounced ; and 1 left the afflicted family 
with deep sympathy for their bereavement, and thanking God that I 
was a minister of the Gospel. 

As I passed from the weeping circle, and trod softly by the cham- 
ber of the dead, I could not help thinking how religion is adapted to 
all the wants of our race, in all circumstances of our condition ; and 
how important it was to have its hopes in our trials, but especially 
in our death. 

X. FUNERAL CEREMONIES. 

It was not till Wednesday that the full force of the bereavement 
was felt by the public mind, when to all who about five weeks be- 
fore had witnessed the spectacle of the inauguration, there was now 
presented the very different spectacle of a funeral — and the funeral 
of that very inaugurated Chief Magistrate. The day itself — the 
clouds covering the heavens — resembled the fourth of March. The 
numerous flags at half-mast, and hung with crape, met the eye 
wherever it was turned; while the ear was saluted with the deep 
thunder of heavy cannon, as at short intervals the melancholy sound 
came through the air. The stream of human beings continued to 
pour into the city from all quarters until 12 o'clock, and although 
it was supposed all the States of the Union sent the materials that 
constituted the host at the Inauguration, there seemed really to be as 
many to-day in the city as on the Fourth of March. 

At sunrise the sound of cannon from the several military stations 
in the vicinity of the city heralded the melancholy occasion which 
was to assemble the citizens of the District and its neighborhood, 
and minute guns were fired during the morning. In entire conso- 
nance with those mournful sounds was the aspect of the whole city, 
as well its dwellings as its population. The buildings on each side 
of the entire length of the Pennsylvania Avenue, with scarcely an 
exception, and many houses on the contiguous streets, were hung 
with festoons and streamers of black, not only about the signs and 
entrances, but in many cases from all the upper stories. Almost 
every private dwelling had crape upon the knocker and bell-handle 



44 

of its door, and many of the very humblest abodes l)ung out some 
spontaneous signal of the general sorrow. The stores and places of 
business, even such as are too frequently seen open on the Sabbath, 
were all closed. Every thing like business seemed to have been 
forgotten, and all minds to be occupied with the purpose of the day. 
The great point of attraction was the President's Mansion. Toward 
that, all steps, all thoughts were tending. The northern portico of 
the Mansion was hung with long banners of black, extending from 
column to column. The iron gates of the enclosure in front were 
closed, save when the Foreign Ministers, Members of the Cabinet, 
the attending Physicians, the Clergy, the Judiciary and ladies were 
admitted, preparatory to their taking the places assigned them in the 
Funeral Procession. 

At the entrance of the Mansion, the dressings of black presented 
themselves on every side, descending from the lofty ceiling to the 
floor. The great chandelier, with the immense mirrors of the east 
room, and other articles of furniture, were enveloped in the sable 
symbols; while in the centre of the room reposed the illustrious 
dead — the body being contained in a cofHn covered with rich silk 
velvet, over which was thrown the pall of similar material. Under 
the lid of the coffin was a glass, through which could be seen the 
face of the late President. The expression was calm and natural : 
his white hair lying close to his head, and his features regular and 
peaceful, as if they had been quietly composed to their last long 
sleep. It was impossible to escape contrasting this moveless repose 
of death with the incessant activity of the living individual, when re- 
ceiving the visits of the people, or transacting business with those 
who called. What little of form or ceremony remained about the 
Government, was extinguished by the late President. 

The first semi-circle around the coffin was composed of about 
forty Clergymen of different denominations in and near the District. 
Opposite to these, encircling the head of the coffin, sat the Vice Pre- 
sident and the Cabinet, except Mr. Badger, who has gone to North 
Carolina. On the left of the Cabinet were Messrs. Forsyth, Poin- 
sett and Paulding, also Mr. Adams. In their rear sat the Foreign 
Ministers, in their gorgeous dresses of gold and silver lace, stars, 
epaulettes and other insignia peculiar to monarchical governments, 



45 

and strongly contrasting with the severe simplicity of all around, 
especially the s'nnplicily of death. Immediately behind the Clergy 
were the mourners, about fifteen or twenty in number, including the 
"faithful women," who "did what they could " to minister to the 
last wants of their departed relative and friend. The next semi-cir- 
cle was composed of the attending and consulting physicians, and 
the twenty. four pall-bearers, all with white sashes. Officers of the 
government of various grades, ladies and others, who had the privi- 
lege of admission, filled the room, which was not crowded, the thou- 
sands of the people being outside even the gales of the great front 
lawn, and maintaining the most profound stillness and exemplary 
order. In fact, the population had, as if by common consent, ex- 
tended itself in very equal masses along the whole distance of a mile 
and a half from the Mansion to the Capitol. The passage way 
within the spacious front lawn was filled with mourning-coaches, 
in waiting for the Family .Mourners, the Cabinet, the Clergy, Mem- 
bers of Congress, Foreign Ministers, &c. 

At half-past 11 o'clock, the Rev, Mr. Ilawley, Rector of St. John's 
Church, arose, and observed tnat he would mention an incident con- 
nected with the Bible which lay on the table before him (covered 
with black silk velvet). "This Hiblc," said he, " was purchased by 
the President, on the fifih of March. lie has since been in the habit 
of daily reading it. He was accustomed not only to altend Church, 
but to join audibly in the Church service, and to kneel before his 
Maker." Mr. H. stated that had the President lived, and been in 
health, he intended on the next Sabbath to become a communicant 
at the Lord's table. A part of the 15lh of 1st Corinthians was then 
read, some selections from the Psalms, and a short prayer. No 
address or particular appeal was made to the assembly or to any 
portion of it. 

It was after eleven o'clock, when the procession in front of the 
Presidential mansion presented a complete line, and a few minutes 
before twelve, a funeral car entered the square, and drew up within 
the portico. It was of large dimensions, in form an oblong platform, 
on which was a raised dais, the whole covered with black velvet. 
From the cornice of the platform fell a black velvet curtain outside 
of the wheels to within a few inches of the orround. From the cor- 



46 

ners of the car a black crape festoon was formed on all sides, looped 
in the centre by a funeral wreath. 

Precisely at twelve o'clock, a detachment of musicians, which had 
been marched up in front of the portico, played the Portuguese hymn, 
during which the body was moved, and placed on the car. The 
coffin was covered with a rich velvet, on which were placed two 
swords, laid across (the Sword of Justice and the sword of State) sur- 
mounted by the scroll of the Constitution, bound together by a funeral 
wreath formed of the yew and cypress. The Car was drawn by six 
white horses, having at the head of each a coloured groom, dressed 
in white, with white turban and sash, and supported by pall bearers 
in black. The effect was very fine. The contrast of this slowly 
moving body of white and black, so opposite to the strong colours of 
the military around it, struck the eye even from the greatest distance, 
and gave a chilling warning beforehand that the corpse was drawing 
nigh. 

The Pall bearers marched two abreast on each side of the car, 
and consisted of the following gentlemen, representing each Slate 
and Territory in the union : 

Maine, R. Cutts, Esq. — New Hampshire, Hon. Jacob B. Moore. — 
Massachusetts, Hon. C. Cushing. — Rhode Island, M. St. C. Clarke, 
Esq. — Connecticut, W. B. Loyd, Esq. — Vermont, Hon. Hiland 
Hall. — New York, Gen. John Granger. — New Jersey, Hon. Geo. 
C. Washington. — Pennsylvania, M. Willing, Esq. — Delaware, 
Hon. A. Naudain. — Maryland, D. Hoffman, Esq. — Virgiriia, Major 
Camp. — North Carolina, Hon. E. D. White. — South Carolina, 
John Carter, Esq. — Georgia, Gen. D. L. Clinch. — Kentucky, Thos. 
Crittenden, Esq. — Tennessee, Col. Rogers. — Louisiana, M. Durald, 
Esq. — Mississippi, Major Anderson Miller — Alabama, Dr. Perrine. 
— Arkansas, A. W. Lyon, Esq. — Ohio, Mr. Graham. — Indiana, 
Gen. R. Hanna. — Illinois, D. G. Gurnsey, Esq. — Missouri, Major 
Russell. — Michigan, Gen. Howard. — Wisconsin, Hon. J. D. Doty. 
— Iowa, Hon. W. B. Carter. — Florida, Hon. C. Downing. — Dis- 
trict of Columbia, R. Smith, Esq. 

Before the hearse, marched the Military Escort, in the order 
mentioned above. 

The most impressive portion of the military part of the procession 



47 

consisted of the dismounted and mounted officers of the Army, Navy, 
Militia, and Volunteers. Seldom has their been exhibited within a 
space so limited so many distinguished military rnen; the sight of 
whose well-known figures led back our thoughts to many a bloody 
field and many an ensanguined sea, on which the national honor has 
been well and nobly maintained. 

Next to the military, were the clergy of the District and elsewhere, 
(dressed with scarfs, and with crape on the hat and left arm,) about 
forty in number, in carriages. 

Then followed the attending physicians, in their private vehicles. 

Immediately behind the hearse, were the male relatives of the 
deceased, including his old and faithful friends Colonels Todd and 
Chambers. 

Immediately after them President Tyler, in a carriage with the 
Secretary of State ; then the several other Heads of Departments, 
and Mr. J. Q. Adams. Several members of the Judiciary Depart- 
ment followed, and then all the Ministers of Foreign Governments, 
now present, or their Secretaries. 

Next followed Officers and soldiers who had served under General 
Harrison in the late war. Another division of the Procession con- 
sisted of public societies and associations preceded by their banners, 
and wearing their respective badges. 

On the firing of the signal gun at the appointed hour, the Proces- 
sion moved along Pennsylvania Avenue, under the fire of minute 
guns near the President's House, repeated at the City Hall, on the 
head of the column arriving opposite to it, and at the Capitol on its 
reaching the western gate of the enclosure. The music was excel- 
lent ; several fine bands playing mournful airs, giving place from 
time to time, to the muffled drums of the military, beating slow 
marches. 

The solemnity of the scene was beyond description. 

Among the most touching incidents which occurred during the 
procession, was its meeting the Maryland Legislature about half way 
down the Avenue. Having just arrived in the cars, the members 
preceded by their officers, marched on to meet the funeral train of 
the President ; and were immediately assigned their proper and 
honorable rank in the multitude of public mourners. 

Having reached the Capitol Square, passing on the south side of 



48 

it, the Procession advanced over the plains eastward till it reached 
the space in front of the Congressional Burying Ground. 

Here the Car halted, while the line was formed by the Military; 
and then passed slowly on, being saluted as it passed with a dirge, 
with colours lowered, the troops presenting arms, and the officers 
saluting it in military form. Having reached the principal entrance, 
Ihe Car was again halted ; the coffin was taken down and placed on 
the shoulders of the bearers; the Clergy advanced, and the Rev. 
Mr. Havvley, reciting the solemn funeral service of the Episcopal 
Liturgy, the Procession advanced down the principal avenue of the 
cemetery until it reached the receiving vault, where a space had 
been kept open by sentries under arms, and where a hollow square 
being formed, the coffin was lowered into the public vault, which 
was hung with festoons of black crape and muslin. It is a spacious 
arched apartment at the extremity of the ground, perfectly dry 
There were about eight coffins in it before that of General Harrison 
was received into it. In the centre of this vault, a mahogany shell 
had been placed, and into this shell the coffin was fitted, and the lid 
was then placed upon it, when, in an interval of "expressive silence," 
the coffin was conveyed down into the tomb, and all that remained 
on earth of the President of this great Union was laid in its narrow 
bed, near other coffins almost unnoticed, and altogether unknown to 
us, how did all earthly grandeur dwindle to its real insignificance, 
and how impressively did the tomb teach it in that hour ! The im- 
mortality of Fame ! How did the bubble burst in the atmosphere of 
that house of death ! And when I saw Tylek, Webster, Ewing, 
Bell, Crittenden and Granger enter that house, to take their 
last view of the coffin, and to emerge again with the weight of a na- 
tion's cares, added to present affliction, upon them, who could help 
exclaiming: "What shadows we are, what shadows we pursue!" 
Among the last things which I observed were the tears of his old 
comrades in arms on many a hard-fought field, as they ascended 
out of the vault, and left their brave and beloved General in the em- 
brace of the Universal Conqueror, adding another trophy to the tri- 
umphs of Death, and another portion to the spoils of the Grave. 

A signal being given to the troops outside, the battalion of Light 
Artillery, who were placed on an adjoining eminence, fired a salute, 
which was immediately followed by the several military bodies in 



49 

line, who commenced tiring (Vom the left to the right, and had con- 
tinued the salute till it had thrice gone up the whole line. 

The Vice President appeared to be much aflected. Mr. Ewing, 
the Secretary of the Treasury, was, at limes, almost unmanned by 
the excess of his', grief. Mr. Webster, Mr. Bell, Mr. Granger, and 
Mr. Crittenden evinced, by their deportment, that they felt their loss. 

The entire Procession occupied two full miles in length, and was 
marshalled on its way by officers on horseback carrying white 
batons with black tassels. The utmost order prevailed throughout; 
and, considering the very great concourse of people collected, the 
silence preserved during the whole course of the march was very 
impressive. 

The Procession returned by the same route to the city, where the 
troops were dismissed, and the citizens retired to their several abodes. 
By five o'clock, nothing remained but empty streets and the em- 
blems of mourning upon the houses, and the still deeper gloom, 
which oppressed the general mind with renewed power after all was 
over, and the sense of the public bereavement alone was left to fill 
the thoughts. 

It was the universal impression, that the procession was larger, 
and the whole effect more imposing, than that of the pageant of the 
Inauguration. In regard to solemnity, the two occasions of course 
admit of no comparison. The one was a nation in joy; the other a 
nation in tears. 

XI. REFLECTIONS IN THE EAST ROOM— April 7. 1841. 

The great East Room of the President's House — that room in 
which I have seen a thousand gay and joyful faces glowing in the 
light of ponderous chandeliers, radiating the light of a hundred 
burners, was now the scene of death ! Those brilliant fountains of 
light were hid in the dark robes of mourning. The splendid mirrors, 
which rose almost to the lofty ceiling, reflecting on every side the 
brilliant crowds which often thronged this room, now refused to look 
upon the scene befoiethem, and buried their polished bosoms in the 
habiliments of sadness. In short, this magnificent room, in every 
part of it, spoke in the appropriate language of silent grief, an- 
nouncing to all — Death is here ! 

The coffin rested in the centre of the room, and was richly and 
7 



beautifully dressed. Closely attached to it was a covering of black 
velvet. The edges where the top rested were delicately traced wiih 
fine gold lace, and on either side and at each end of the coffin the 
same material was formed into beautiful squares. A gorgeous vel- 
vet pall hung gracefully over the whole, with a deep rich fringe 
appended to a border of gold lace. On the lop of all rested two 
elegantly wrought swords in mourning, buried in a profusion of 
lovely and fragrant flowers, which Flora had consecrated to this sad 
and melancholy service, as if to express the idea that sweetness and 
beauty could conquer the sword and survive death itself! 

Around the coffin, and at an appropriate distance, was formed a 
circle composed of the new President of the United States, the heads 
of departments, the clergy of every denomination, judges of courts, 
and members of the bar. The next circle contained the foreign 
ministers in their rich and varied court dresses, wilh a number of 
members of both Houses of Congress, and the relatives of the 
deceased President. Beyond this circle a vast assemblage of ladies 
and gentlemen filled up the room. Silence, deep and undisturbed, 
even by a whisper, pervaded the entire assembly. The solemn 
event which they were now gazing upon fixed every eye and hushed 
every tongue. When at the appointed hour, the officiating minister 
rose from his seat, and as he rose in solemn tones announced these 
words, " / awt the resurrection, and the life!'"'' one simultaneous 
move placed this vast assembly upon their feet on the first sound of 
the minister's voice, and a feeling of deeper awe rested upon every 
countenance, as he uttered the above sentence. Never before did I 
realize the grandeur and sublimity of these words — never before did 
I feel the thrilling effect which the enunciation of this glorious 
Christian truth is capable of inspiring. 

At the close of these religious ceremonies, the coffin was con- 
ducted to the funeral car specially constructed for the occasion, where 
it was met and saluted by the solemn dirge of appropriate music; and 
the procession moved off" under the discharge of funeral artillery, 
which uttered loud and long the nation's grief. 

XII. THE MOURNFUL INTELLIGENCE. 
As the news of the decease of the venerable President of this re- 
public spread t>om city to city, there was every demonstration of the 



51 

<Jeep grief which the nation feels, at the removal by death, of the 
chief officer of the republic. In the smaller towns on the route of 
the mail hither, the persons always waiting at the railroad depots, 
heard the intelligence in silence, and turned away to communicate 
it to their friends, in that suppressed tone which is the indication of 
true feeling. 

In Baltimore, on Sunday, the bells of the city were tolled through- 
out the day, and the flags from various edifices floated at half mast, 
trimmed with the " insignia of woe." In several of the churches, the 
ministers took advantage of the occasion, and made most impressive 
and affecting allusions to the national bereavement, in the decease 
of the President, 

In Philadelphia, the slip signed by all the heads of the depart- 
ments, announcing the fact, was read at the Exchange to about 500 
persons, all of whom evinced much feeling, and without uttering a 
word left the room. In less than two minutes after the announce- 
ment not three persons of the dense crowd that had so lately filled 
the apartment were to be seen. 

The news was received in New York a little before midnight, by 
the evening train. At that hour, on account of the storm with which. 
the afternoon closed, few persons were stirring, but as the intelli- 
gence was announced by the passengers, it was received with the 
same demonstrations of grief and respect for the deceased, which had 
marked its reception in other cities. The news was circulated 
through a large part of the city ; but still could not be said to be 
generally circulated, until the appearance of the morning papers, 
dressed in the proper marks of mourning. 

New York is emphatically a reading city. The proportion of 
houses at which a morning paper is served in the city is probably as 
eight to ten, if not larger. Consequently almost the first thing that 
met every man's eye, was the indication of the national loss, in the 
turned rules, and funeral appearance of the newspapers, which, with 
one exception only, paid this mark of respect for the deceased. Made 
in a manner so striking, the announcement could escape no one, and 
men walked abroad to their daily avocations, with faces which be- 
trayed what every honest man's heart felt. Our daily avocations 
make us among the earliest of early risers, and had we been, by any 
chance, unapprised of the intelligence, we could have read in rhe 



52 

faces of those whom we mot, the unanimous declaration that some 
grief, for the general weal, oppressed our fellow-citizens. 

The method of striking fire alarms in this city prevents the use of 
the bells to foil an unexpected announcement. None were therefore 
struck, but at the usual hour of hoisting flags, the city standard, and 
the national ensign \«'ere displayed at half mast upon the City Hall. 
AH the principal hotels, the political head quarters of both parties, 
and the other public buildings upon which flags are usually hoisted 
on public occasions, displayed them yesterday at half mast; and the 
shipping at the piers and in the harbour, wore the same testimonials 
of national grief. We never felt before so proud of our citizenship, 
as we did in exchanging remarks of sincere condolence with our 
friends of the opposition party, who thus testified that love of country 
is superior in American hearts to devotion to party. 

The Courts met only to adjourn ; and the Common Council was con 
vened to take measures for testifying the public sympathy and respect 

All the flags in Albany were displayed at half mast; the Supreme 
Court, and Court of Chancery adjourned, and an extraordinary meet 
ing of the Common Council, was convened at 12 o'clock. 
. The Governor of the State sent a message to the Legislature 
which immediately adjourned after appointing Committees of ar 
rangements. 

At Hartford, and at all other places, reached by steamboat hence 
the news was divined by the half-mast flag, before a word was spo 
ken; and many citizens turned away without asking or wailing to 
hear one word. There was agony in that telegraphic sermon. 

At Boston, the news of the death of the President of the United 
Stales, was received on Tuesday morning. The shipping ai the 
wharves hoisted their colors at half-mast, and the Revenue Cutter 
Hamilton, Captain Sturgis, at anchor in the harbour, fired minute 
guns for an hour. This was done in compliance with the recommen- 
dation and instructions of the Collector of that Port. The Courts ad- 
journed, and the Common Council was convened to take proper 
measures for a municipal observance ol the occasion. 

In every place, indeed, throughout the land, the intelligence was 
received with mourning, dismay and solemnity. No event that has 
ever occurred since the death of Washington, has ever filled the na- 
lion with such sincere and universal grief. 



53 



XIII. FUNERAL CEREMONIES ELSEWHERE. 

In addition to the ceremonies at Washington — there was, on the 
day and during the hours of the funeral obsequies, a cessation of 
business, with other demonstrations of solemnity, in the great cities 
of Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and Boston. 

After due arrangements had been made, during the same or the 
following week, the afflicting dispensation was further solemnized by 
the delivery of addresses and large funeral processions in all the 
principal cities and many other places. The procession in New 
York occupied a space of four miles, and was many hours in pass- 
ing, with its large concourse and funeral tread. In Albany, there 
was a torch-light procession. The procession was accompanied by 
a full band of music, and the funeral urn, covered with its pall — the 
whole illuminated by the light of upward of 600 torches. It passed 
through the principal streets of the cily between 8 and 10 o'cIocK. 
The night was still, and very dark; and the eilecl produced by the 
long array of mourners at that unusual hour — the funeral emblems, 
tlie solemn music, and the strong red glare of the torches, revealing 
from the gloom and lighting u|) with picturesque effect the houses 
and crowds of spectators which thronged the windows as they 
passed, left an impression which will not soon be effaced from iho 
memory of those who beheld the scene. 

Accounts arc still coming in from every quarter, of the very many 
public testimonies of the grief of the people, for the loss of their vene- 
rable and beloved Chief Magistrate. 

XIV. GENERAL HARRISON'S FAMILY. 

1. The following relatives of Gen., Harrison were present in the 
city on the day of the Funeral, viz : 

Mrs. Jane Harrison, of Ohio, (son's widow,) and two sons. 

Mrs. Taylor, of Virginia, (neice,) a daughter and two sons. 

Pike Harrison, (grand-son,) son of J. C. Harrison, and grand- 
son of Gen. Pike. 

Mr. D. O. Coupeland, of Ohio, (nephew.) 

Mr. Benjamin Harrison, of Berkeley, (nephew.) 



64 

Henry Harrison, (grand-nephew,) son of the preceding, who has 
acted as conBdenlial Secretary of the President. 

Dr. John Minge, of Charles City, Va., (nephew.) 

We may also add the name of Mrs. Findley, of Ohio, who 
adopted Mrs. Jane Harrison as a daughter, and who almost mva- 
riably occupied the right hand of the President at h.s table. 

2. The following are the surviving relatives who were absent : 

Mrs. Harrison, the General's bereaved widow. 

John Scott Harrison, the only living son. 

Mrs. Judge Short, eldest daughter. 

Mrs. Dr. Thornton, daughter. 

Mrs. Taylor, daughter. All these are living at or near North 

^^Mr. Taylor and his wife and family were expected to become 

members of the President's family, for the whole term of h.s service. 

3. The following are the names of the deceased members of the 

family : 

Lucy Harrison, a daughter, married Judge bste. 

J C S Harrison, a son, married Miss Pike. Both dead. 

Wm H. Harrison, Jr., married Miss Jane Irvine. His widow 
presided at the President's table, and her personal graces have com- 
mended her to the affections of all who have had the pleasure to 

know her. 

Dr Benjamin Harrison, a son. Died the last summer. 

Carter B Harrison, who was a lawyer of fine talents, and ac 
companied General Harrison to Colombia. Died two years ago. 
All the sons left children. 

Mrs Harrison, the President's widow, has been for many years a 
member of the Presbyterian church. The rest of the family are 
also Presbyterians, except Mr. Benjamin Harrison, who is an Episeo- 
palian, and Mrs. Taylor, of Richmond, who is a member of the 
Baptist church. 

XY. COLONELS TODD, AND CHAMBERS. 
An impressive and affecting feature of the closing scenes of Satur- 
day night, says the Madisonian, was the presence of these two 



65 

gentlemen, at the death bed of their beloved General. In the battle of 
the Thames they were the chosen aids of the Commander-in-chief, 
Col. Todd was aid and acting General from 1812, until General 
Harrison resi^^ned in 1814. Both Col. Todd and Col. Chambers 
were in the hottest of the fight, on the right hand fork of the Thames, 
They stood by General Harrison where the bullets flew thickest, and 
when he told them to prime their pistols — that he was dstermined 
not to be taken alive. They have stood by him devotedly from that 
day to this — and during the late political campaign, no two men 
were more zealous or active in repelling the assaults of the General's 
enemies, or in defending his fair fame than they. They stood by 
him by night and by day during this, the General's last battle with 
the Kinf^ of Terrors, and saw that all was done that could be, to 
resist the final conqueror, death. There has seldom occurred an 
instance of more enduring and devoted mutual allachmenl, confidence 
and friendship. 

Before his death, General Harrison showed how highly he es- 
timated Col. Chambers, by appointing him Governor of Iowa. He 
had also fully determined to manifest his confidence in Col. Todd, 
by nominating him to the Senate for a mission abroad. 

Two of the mourners, among the most noticed, and whose pre- 
sence inspired great interest from old associations, were Colonel Todd 
and Colonel Chambers, who were General Harrison's aids de camp 
in the battle of the Thames. They had served him bravely in the 
field of battle, had watched over his death bed, and were now ac- 
companying him to the grave, that bourne whence no traveller 
returns. It was well that they were there by the coffin of their old 
and beloved commander, and they seemed to be profoundly atlected 
by the solemnity of the scene. 

Colonel Todd, it may be added, has been for many years an Elder 
in the Presbyterian church. 

XVI. GEN. HARRISON'S LAST LETTER. 

On Saturday, a hardy, weather-beaten, but very respectable look- 
ing seaman presented himself to the Collector, at the Custom House, 
and inquiring for Mr. Curtis, said, "General Harrison told me to 
give this letter into your hand. He told me to give his kind respects 



56 

to Mr. Curtis, and said Mr. Curtis was his friend, and would be my 
friend." Mr. Curtis opened the letter, and found it to be, from its 
date, one of the last, if not the very last letter, written by General 
Harrison. It bears date of the day when his illness commenced. 
The reader will see, from a perusal of it, that amidst all the cares 
and troubles of his high position, he was true to the humblest of his 
old friends. 

Tucker says he had no money to come home by land, but he did 
not let the General know that, for he knew he would give it to him 
in a minute, and he did not wish to take money from the good old 
man who had been so kind to him. And so Tucker then went on 
board the schooner L. L. Sturgis, at Alexandria, and worked his 
passage home to New York. When he came to the Custom House 
he had not been ashore thirty minutes, and having first heard the 
sad news of the death of his kind benefactor as he passed up Old 
Slip dock, the abundant tears that fell down his hardy cheek testi- 
fied that his was no ungrateful heart. — Com. Adv. 

Washington, 26th March, 1841. 
Dear Sir — The bearer hereof, Mr. Thomas Tucker, a veteran 
seaman, came with me from Carthagena, as the mate of the brig 
Montida, in the year 1829. In an association of several weeks I 
imbibed a high opinion of his character — so much so that, (express- 
in"- a desire to leave the sea,) 1 invited him to come to North Bend 
and spend the remainder of his days with me. Subsequent misfor- 
tunes prevented his doing so, as he was desirous to bring some mo- 
ney with him to commence farming operations. His bad fortune 
still continues, having been several times shipwrecked within a few 
years. He says that himself and family are now in such a situation 
that the humblest employment would be acceptable to him, and I 
write this to recommend him to your favourable notice. I am per- 
suaded that no one possesses, in a higher degree, the virtues of 
fidelity, honesty, and indefatigable industry; and, I might add, of 
indomitable bravery, if that was a quality necessary for the kind of 
employment he seeks. Yours very truly, 

W. H. Harrison. 
Edward Curtis, £55., Collector, &c., New York. 
We are glad to hear that Mr. Curtis immediately appointed Mr. 
Tucker an inspector of the Customs. 



57 



XVII. GENERAL HARRISON DEAD. 

BY ANN S. STEPHENS. 

Death sittelh in the Capitol ! His sable wing 
Flung its black shadow o'er a country's hope 
And lo ! a nation bendeth down in tears. 
A few short weeks and all was jubilee, — 
The air was musical with happy sounds — 
The future full of promise — ^joyous smiles 
Beam'd on each freeman's face and lighted up 
The gentle eye of beauty. 
The Hero came — a noble good old man — 
Strong in the wealth of his high purposes. 
Age sat upon him with a gentle grace, 
Giving unto his manhood dignity, 
Imbuing it with pure and lofty thoughts 
As pictures owe their mellow hues to time. 
He stood before the people. Their's had been 
The vigor of his youth his manhood's strength, 
And now his green old age was yielded up 
To answer their behest. 

Thousands had gathered round the marble dome 
Silent and motionless in their deep reverence. 
Save when they gushed the heaving throb 
And low tumultuous breath of patriot hearts 
Surcharg'd with grateful joy. The mighty dead 
Bent gently o'er him with their spirit wings, 
As solemnly he took the earthly state 
Which flung its purple o'er his path to Heaven. 
The oath was said, and then one mighty pulse 
Seem'd throbbing through the multitude — 
Faces were lifted upward and a prayer 
Of deep thanksgiving wing'd that vow to Heaven. 
Time slept on flowers and lent his Glass to Hope- 
One little month his golden sands had sped 
When, mingling with the music of our joy. 
Arose and sweli'd a low funereal strain, 
So sad and mournful, that a nation heard 
And trembled as she wept. 
8 



58 



Darkness is o'er the land, 
For lo ! a death flag streams upon the breeze, — 
The hero hath departed ! 

Nay let us weep, our grief hath need of tears — 
Tears should embalm the dead, and there is one, 
A gentle woman, with her clinging love. 
Who wrung her heart that she might give him up 
To his high destiny. Tears are for her, — 
She lingers yet among her household gods 
And knoweth not how low her heart is laid. 
From battle fields where strife was fiercely waged 
And human blood-drops fell a crimson rain. 
He had returned to her. God help thee, Lady, 
Look not for him now ! 
Thron'd in a nation's love he sunk to sleep, 
And so awoke in Heaven. 
New York, April, 5. 



XVin. VICE PRESIDENT TYLER'S RECOMMENDATION 
OF A NATIONAL FAST. 

OFFICIAL 

To the People of the United States, 

A RECOMMENDATION. 

When a Christian People feel themselves to be overtaken by a 
great public calamity, it becomes them to humble themselves under 
the dispensation of Divine Providence, to recognize His righteous 
government over the children of men, to acknowledge His goodness 
in time past, as well as their own unworthiness, and to supplicate 
His merciful protection for the future. 

The death of William Henry Harrison, late President of the 
United States, so soon after his elevation to that high office, is a 
bereavement peculiarly calculated to be regarded as a heavy afflic- 
tion, and to impress all minds with a sense of the uncertainty of 
human things^ and of the dependence of Nations, as well as of 
individuals, upon our Heavenly Parent. 

I have thought, therefore, that I should be acting in conformity 
with the general expectation and feelings of the community in 



59 

recommending, as I now do, to the People of the United States, of 
every religious denomination, that, according to their several modes 
and forms of worship, they observe a day of Fasting and Prayer, by 
such religious services as may be suitable on the occasion ; and I 
recommend Friday, the fourteenth day of May next, for that pur- 
pose; to the end that, on that day, we may all, with one accord, join 
in humble and reverential approach to Him, in whose hands we are, 
invoking him to inspire us with a proper spirit and temper of heart 
and mind under these frowns of His providence, and still to bestow 
His gracious benedictions upon our Government and our country. 

John Tyler. 
Washington, April 13, 1841. 

XIX. CONCLUSION. 

Thus the national bereavement, so signal and so overwhelming, 
has been acknowledged by many sincere demonstrations of sym- 
pathy and grief— and finally by an Executive recommendation of a 
day of national fasting and prayer. President Tyler has done well 
to enter upon the honors of ofhce by honoring our fathers' God and 
ours ! The public solemnities, attending the late fearful dispensation, 
are appropriately concluded by the humiliation of the whole people 
before the majesty of Heaven. 

Christians! The voice of God summons you to Zion ! Prepare 
ye to assemble at her solemn places with humiliation and prayer. 
The national visitation demands national penitence ; and the garment 
of our praise must be wrapped in the spirit of heaviness. 

Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible 
God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem 
little before Thee, that hath come upon us, unto this day. Howbeit 
Thou are just in all that is brought upon us ; for Thou hast done 
right, but we have done wickedly. We have not kept Thy law nor 
hearkened unto Thy commandments and Thy testimonies, where- 
with Thou didst testify against us ! 

To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses. O Lord, 
hear! O Lord, forgive! 



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